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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

In response to your article, "Keep the lid on the state's 'double-dipping' cap", I don't know when the words "public jobs" were given a nuanced negative overtone.

The retirees who worked meaningful, productive jobs did so with the same skills and gusto they would have brought to the private sector. The public sector benefited from the loyal employees who earned salaries and paid taxes while contributing to their own retirement.

I retired 18 years ago from teaching. I am 83 and am fortunate that I am fully able to work and earn a salary. The purchasing power of my pension is probably 20 percent less than in 1999. That said, all prices have risen including essentials such as food, gas, and health care.

I am always bothered by the term double dipping. I fail to grasp what benefits I am getting two of as I work for my municipality. In Massachusetts, municipal employees do not benefit from Social Security. Should my spouse predecease me I do not get any of his benefits.

This new legislative proposal will raise the hour cap. It should be passed recognizing retirees' fiscal needs. It should be passed reaffirming the value retirees bring to municipal jobs. We are not a liability, but an asset to the workforce.

Marilyn Frank

Westford

U.S. flag display is beautiful In reference to the current controversy of "excessive" flag display in Chelmsford's LAER Realty premises, I immediately admired its beauty.

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If I'm not mistaken, Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home had a similar display in recent years celebrating Flag Day. I recall their PDA was truly beautiful, also.

Patricia Williams

Lowell

Reporter's presence unwanted What happened to Vanessa Osage 25 years ago and the effect it has had on her life is a tragedy. To allow a reporter to harass current Lawrence Academy graduates and their families so he could spoil their graduation activities is unfair. The newspaper was provided with pictures and a list of the current graduates which you chose not to print as you have done for other schools. It seems the newspaper wants to punish the current graduates for an isolated incident from decades ago.

Paul Husted

Tyngsboro

Conspiracy protects the president

It is obvious to many of us that a conspiracy to commit a widespread obstruction of justice to protect and keep a president from being indicted or impeached is being done right out in open sight. Those involved in the conspiracy are members of a cable TV news network, Congress (especially Republican House members), many who voted for Trump, and many of the evangelicals who show a pretense concern about the right to life of an unborn but no empathy for kids being split from their immigrant parents. If this continues, America will become a Banana Republic. It might be time for Robert Mueller to have a showdown and indict the president; at least the American people with fair minds will be alerted to take a stand for the rule of law against tyranny.

Alfred Waddell

Marston Mills

Dracut decision criticized

Invincible in peace, invisible in war. Dracut selectmen have never heard that saying "Freedom isn't Free." Men and women volunteer to serve our nation. They deserve whatever pay they can receive for their time and sacrifice of their time away from family and friends.

Is this why a president with five draft deferments demands us to stand for the national anthem? Dracut selectmen have set a new standard in cheap behavior.

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